Hidden Gems

Nightowljrm

There's nothing like finding an amazing game within the deluge of tossed out and forgotten retro video games. Many games deserve to be forgotten (SIlver Surfer, ColorDreams games, the works), but there are some that deserve to be showcased and remembered, but due to bad timing, poor marketing, or just the fact that it did not transfer over seas, the game met an unmerited demise... However, years later, we uncover them from cartridge ruins and rediscover the glory that never got to be appreciated.

What are your favorite "hidden gems" in gaming? Do you have one that you feel isn't talked about enough and want to share? Go for it. Plus, these are the types of games I really love looking for and playing, and I'm sure I'm not the only one; so sharing could benefit everyone!

For me, an undiscovered classic is Holy Diver on the Famicom.I'm sure most of you have heard of it, but in case you haven't, I'll just briefly summarize it:

It's a game based off the Ronnie James Dio song off the album of the same name (Holy Diver) and, though you wouldn't know it from the game, is based on some ludicrious story about Ozzy, Zakk Wylde, and Dio but you play as a guy named Randy. The game is an intensely hard and unforgiving action/platformer in the vein of Castlevania. Most people never complete it, as it has been rated as difficult as Battle Toads, Ghosts 'n Goblins, and other relentless games. It has a killer soundtrack and it seems to have influences from not only Castlevania, but from other games. The HUD resembles the one off Zelda II and you gain new abilities after defeating a boss like on Mega Man or Whomp 'Em (which is a Mega Man clone, essentially). Some speculate that it wasn't ported to the NES because of the old censoring policies (it mentions hell and it has a cross in the background on the first level). I love that game though, and I've only beaten it once. As of now, I'm working on a review for it so I thought it'd be the perfect one to mention. I'll probably add a link to it at the bottom of this post once I'm done.

So now that I've shared my hidden gem, what's yours? I'm interested to see what people say.

Krunch

Dude that sounds like such a wicked game. I have two submissions, both for the N64: Wetrix and Space Station Silicon Valley. Both just kind of under-the-radar games that get you to use your head. Wetrix especially is a good puzzle game that doesn't get monotonous at all.

Nightowljrm

Oh, man! I love Space Station Silicon Valley! That was one of the first N64 games I got! (Besides DK64, Super Mario 64, etc.) That's definitely a unique game! I got that during the the N64's lifespan and I haven't really looked at the console (other than playing the games I already own) since its generation ended, so I had no idea it was could be considered a "hidden gem". =o I have heard of Wetrix, but I haven't played it. I'll check it out now.

Nindo

I guess if I would have to pick one game that represents being barely noticed or talked about, yet is very worth notice and being the topic of conversation, it would definitely have to be Space Station Silicon Valley for the Nintendo 64. To be honest I could name a few Nintendo 64 games that don't get enough love like they should (Blast Corps and Body Harvest to name a couple), but in my experience SSSV definitely takes the proverbial cake. Imagine a game where you are able to change into any available animal in order to fit the situation and solve puzzles. Sounds almost like a super power, being able to change forms to better suit the environment. Now, make some of these animals into awesome biomechanical weapons and you have SSSV.

EDIT: Welp, looks like yall beat me to it, guess its not as unnoticed as I thought, hahah.

Ouendan

Gitaroo Man for PS2 is awesome, and I don't really see many people talking about that game. Very fun and unique rhythm game with excellent music. And I agree with Blast Corps and Space Station Silicon Valley. Both excellent games.

Guivader

There's quite a lot of hidden gems out there. One that I believe to be criminally overlook is "The Adventures of Ralph" on the PSX. It's an incredible plataformer that looks really good, has a nice challenge and great gameplay.

removed04092017

Crystalis on the NES. One of the best RPG's for any system in my opinion.

Berserker

All I can think of is N64 so...

Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, amazing action-rpg second only to the Zeldas.

Snowboard Kids, fun and unique racing game with catchy music.

Mischief Makers, a 2D side-scroller made by Treasure. 'nuff said.

Fighter's Destiny, one of the best fighters on N64. Unique tactical elements.

Dragonmaster_Ruban

Originally posted by: 3GenGames

Crystalis on the NES. One of the best RPG's for any system in my opinion.

I like that game too.  It's one of those games where you're thinking that it's going to be horrible when you see SNK, but surprisingly it's one of my NES faves.  I also like Legacy of the Wizard and Battle of Olympus.  Puzzles, exploration, and action...what more could you ask for?  I'm just a history buff so when I played BoO, I was rather intrigued by the entire spin-off based off of Greek mythology.

Nightowljrm

Originally posted by: Guivader

There's quite a lot of hidden gems out there. One that I believe to be criminally overlook is "The Adventures of Ralph" on the PSX. It's an incredible plataformer that looks really good, has a nice challenge and great gameplay.

That's the first one mentioned I've never heard of. o.O 

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Another one I feel is tragically overlooked is the Guilty Gear series. Those are great 2D fighting games that don't get much love... I guess the reason why is that there are few to no unlockables. If Aksys (the producers) would fix that and add a plethora of unlockables and customization, I'm sure the series would be adored almost as much as Marvel vs. Capcom and Smash Bros. 

Tanooki

How about I go more obscure with Game & Watch Climber eh? A fascinating game to say the least. Climber and Nintendo, probably makes you think right to Ice Climber right? You're not off and that's for sure in this uniquely designed platforming Game & Watch. Unlike many of the Game & Watch line titles this one has no Game A or B, just Climber. Climber has much in common with Ice Climber, except no ice and no mallet. You play as the climber in the game and work your way up 25 levels of a platform to the top. You will evade blockmen, pissed off birds, and your own jumping mistakes. To make it up takes a little bit of interesting strategy as platforms are made by the blockmen turning into them, at times this will be needed so you can round an edge and hop to the next level. At the top you have a unique bonus round where a large bird flies by while you have to evade the small annoying ones, and if you do it's bonus points. Every five stages you get to take on some dragon type boss and you'll be able to whip out a sword to get the job done. It has your standard beeps of the old Game & Watch speaker, but it does supplement it with a couple fun short little jingles which many of the titles do lack.



I also have a Mario's Cement Factory G&W and NDS Orcs & Elves up here: http://tanooki-suit.blogspot.com/



I don't advertise that as I'm not quite sure I want to commit reviewing things just for myself as I miss doing it as part of the gaming media.

NintendoTwizer

Okay, so this is not retro... but, has anyone here played Monster Tale for the DS? Its a really fun platformer. Heres a review on it: http://ds.ign.com/articles/116/1160109p1.html



Call me crazy but I think this is going to be one of those sort after games many years from now. The reason being that its coming out at the end of the DS's life cycle and also I don't think it's been advertised at all. I couldn't find a copy of it in my town, I had to order one off of amazon.

Roloking

Godhand for Ps2 is a pretty over looked game. Its a super over the top beat em up game made by Clover.

I also really enjoy playing Iron Sword because the music is pretty good and the cover has FABIO ON IT!

thewalrusisal

I'm knee-deep in Journey to Silius right now - how was this one not a best seller? (or was it?)

WaverBoy

My picks are (all for NES):



Crystalis

I'm Kid Dracula

Mechanized Attack



and, this last one probably isn't underappreciated by NES fandom overall, but as far as I'm concerned it can never be OVERappreciated, so I just have to give it props here...



The absolute space shooter classic GYRUSS, the NES port of which surpasses even the arcade original. I could never, ever get sick of playing this one.

Light Rifle

Crystalis ( dont own it but haved played )

Tanooki

I know this maybe early game tinglies, but I got Destiny of an Emperor today for $5 at the flea and it's a truly fantastic sorta under the radar RPG from Capcom of all things. Based in reality of ancient china (sharing with Romance of the Three Kingdoms leaders/warlords.) It plays as an up to 5on5 type party RPG game, but instead of HP each 'point' is a soldiers life. You move around areas of ancient china and take down crooks, warlords and roaming bandits and sometimes their commanders/leaders. You can equip various basic weapons, armor and other armors. Also, tactics are important as a subclass, some dude with HIGH 'INT'(elligence) learns good tactics which anyone in your party can use (like MP in an RPG) for attack, def, and healing/resurrection type moves. Each step you take consumes 1 food, but buying it isn't hard and it's not that steep either. I'm up to lv6 so far, cleared out the warlords mostly from my area in I guess chapter 1 of the story. It's quite fun and worth a rumble if you want into that world of gaming but can't stand or figure out the KOEI end of things with just maps and numbers on it.

Rengozu

Adventure Island 2 on the SNES was one that blew me away when I first stumbled upon it by accident checking out a system. Couldn't put it down and played it straight through. Loved it

gutsman004

Destiny of an Emperor,Gyruss,Ironsword,Crystalis...man,everyone beat me to these. One of my favorite NES games ever is River City Ransom. I never get tired of that game and it should have been way more popular than it was. (It's finally getting a sequel! Woo!)



Although it's not the best game ever,I enjoyed Wizards and Warriors III.

Some others that I really enjoyed that I didn't initally have high hopes for:



Fire 'N Ice

Clash at Demonhead

Metal Storm 

Wolverine

The Count

I gotta say Everblue 2 for PS2 by Capcom. It's about diving and collecting treasure and items as well as upgrading equipment and loaded with side quests similar to Endless Ocean for Wii. I put way more hours than I thought I would in to this sweet game.

hobojoe44

Phantom Dust it's called "one of the most critically acclaimed, unplayed Xbox games to come out of Japan" for a reason it's made by Microsoft Japan and Microsoft didn't even want to release outside Japan (one of those the West won't get it things I guess) So they had to get mejesco to publish it in North America.
It's one of the Top 5 Original Xbox exclusives that every one with an Xbox or 360 should look into getting.

I still play it's multiplayer on Xlink with other from time to time.

Elijah

Anyone say Solomons Key, loving the crap out of this game... challenging, but fun

RASK1904

The only true hidden gem would be Gemfire.

SamSpade

Shadow of the Ninja on the nes. There is no other answer.  Think Ninja Gaiden meets Shatterhand only it's co op and easily as good at either of those.

Sticky

Pirates! For Nes.

Item90

Originally posted by: Berserker

All I can think of is N64 so...

Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, amazing action-rpg second only to the Zeldas.

Snowboard Kids, fun and unique racing game with catchy music.

Mischief Makers, a 2D side-scroller made by Treasure. 'nuff said.

Fighter's Destiny, one of the best fighters on N64. Unique tactical elements.

I never played Mystical Ninja Staring Goemon, but I did play a lot of Goemon's Great Adventure when I was younger.  It was mainly a 3D side scrolling platformer with great music, a fun powerup system, a day/night cycle, and cool quirky characters.  There were also first person giant robot boss battles that changed things up a bit.  overall, one of my favorites for the system.  

Tanooki

That game to me was nowhere near as fun. The original N64 Goemon plays like Ocarina of Time, just in a comedic warped version of ancient Japan. It's quite a fun title and plenty of things to do, but not overkill by any means.  The giant robot fights in this one were my favorite of various goemon games I tried out.

bucky

Silver Surfer deserves to be remembered for its soundtrack alone.



I have to second gutsman on Fire 'N Ice (Solomon's Key II). It's my favorite puzzle game for the NES. It shatters some puzzle-game conventions by having infinite lives and infinite time. I get bored easily with 'assembly line' puzzle games, like tetris clones where the only real challenge is working as fast as possible or getting the highest high score. Fire 'N Ice does the exact opposite, where it's all about clearing levels and trying to beat the game.

hangia

Jet Force Gemini for N64.



Kameo: Elements of Power for XBox 360.



These are two of my favorite games of all time. Unfortunately they both didn't do as well commercially as Rare would have hoped which resulted in neither game getting a sequel.

shawnphase

metal storm

banana prince (emulate dat shit)

all the adventure islands (cept 4, i dont even consider that part of the series)

tetrastar

yume penguin monogatari

joy mech fight

bio miracle bokutte upa

time diver eon man





all awesome games!

i love bacon

for some reason, i'm loving the game 'Thunder & Lightning' (NES) lately. a bit like Breakout/Arkanoid, but more fun. never seen it mentioned and never knew it existed until just recently.